With growing interest in digital gambling and sports wagering across Europe, Finland has emerged as a market in transition. Long governed by a state monopoly, the Finnish gambling ecosystem is now shifting toward a licensing model. In this article, we explore the current status of Finland betting sites, the role of Finland bookmakers, the upcoming changes to licensed betting sites in Finland, and the broader context of gambling regulations Finland.
- Gambling in Finland Today
- Current Situation: Finland Betting Sites and Bookmakers
- Enforcement and Black Market Activity
- Gambling Regulations Finland: What’s Changing?
- Comparison with Other Nordic Markets
- What This Means for Players and Operators
- Conclusion
Gambling in Finland Today
Gambling in Finland is mostly controlled by Veikkaus Oy, a company owned by the government. It is the only legal operator for sports betting, lotteries, and online casino games.
Foreign gambling sites are not allowed to advertise in Finland or operate officially. Still, many Finnish players use foreign betting sites because they offer more games and better bonuses.
Key Facts:
| Feature | Status in 2025 |
|---|---|
| Market Model | State Monopoly |
| Legal Operator | Veikkaus Oy |
| Reform Date | Licensing begins in early 2027 |
| Black Market Share | 30% to 50% of online gambling |
| Estimated Revenue Loss | €500 to €550 million per year |
| Foreign Ads Allowed | No; blocked by law |
Current Situation: Finland Betting Sites and Bookmakers
As of mid-2025, all legal Finland betting sites operate under Veikkaus. This includes fixed-odds sports betting, online bingo, digital scratch cards, and virtual slots. Despite this, many Finnish players access foreign betting platforms due to broader game selections, larger bonuses, and more competitive odds.
These offshore operators remain unlicensed under Finnish law but often offer services in the Finnish language, use EUR, and provide Finnish customer support. While not technically illegal for players, these services are blocked from advertising and financial processing within Finland. However, they are not licensed in Finland and cannot advertise or process payments directly in the country.
Enforcement and Black Market Activity
The Finnish National Police Board has ramped up efforts to limit illegal gambling. Enforcement actions have included:
- Issuing multi-million euro conditional fines (e.g., €2.4M against BML Group Ltd.)
- Blocking payment processing to unlicensed operators
- Enforcing DNS/IP blocks
- Targeting influencers and affiliate marketers promoting offshore betting brands
Despite these efforts, foreign operators still maintain a strong presence by exploiting legal loopholes. These include passive website accessibility, use of affiliates, and crypto or alternative payment solutions.
Gambling Regulations Finland: What’s Changing?
In March 2025, the Finnish government submitted a draft Gambling Act to transition from monopoly to a regulated licensing system by early 2027. The goal is to increase consumer protection, reduce black market activity, and align with EU market norms.
Planned Licensing Model Features:
| Aspect | Future Model (2027 Onward) |
|---|---|
| Licensing for Sports Betting | Allowed for private operators |
| Online Casino Access | Permitted under license |
| Tax Rate | 22% on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) |
| Exclusion Register | Centralized and mandatory |
| Advertising Rules | Restricted, with bonus limitations |
| Enforcement Authority | New regulatory agency replacing Police Board |
Comparison with Other Nordic Markets
| Country | Regulatory Model | Licensing Since | Legal Market Share | GGR Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finland 🇫🇮 | Monopoly (until 2027) | 2027 Planned | ~50% | 22% (planned) |
| Sweden 🇸🇪 | Licensing | 2019 | ~85% | 18% |
| Denmark 🇩🇰 | Licensing | 2012 | ~90% | 28% |
| Norway 🇳🇴 | Monopoly | N/A | ~65% | N/A |
Sweden and Denmark have shown that licensing leads to more control, better consumer protection, and higher tax revenue. Finland hopes to follow the same path.
What This Means for Players and Operators
For Finnish players, this reform will lead to access to more legal and competitive platforms. Licensed betting sites in Finland will be able to operate transparently, offering safer gambling environments and better customer protections.
For international operators and affiliates, 2026 will be a pivotal year as B2C licenses begin to roll out. Those who comply with new gambling regulations Finland will be able to enter a high-potential market legally.
Conclusion
Finland betting sites are on the verge of major transformation. As the state monopoly model is phased out, a modern licensing system will pave the way for legal Finland bookmakers and regulated casino platforms. With better enforcement, improved consumer safeguards, and structured tax collection, Finland is poised to join its Nordic peers in creating a balanced and secure online gambling market.
For anyone interested in the future of licensed betting sites in Finland, staying informed about regulatory developments and licensing opportunities will be essential. As gambling regulations Finland evolve, so too will the landscape for players, operators, and affiliates across the country.
FAQs About Finland Betting Sites
Yes, but only those operated by Veikkaus Oy are legal. Foreign betting sites are not licensed in Finland.
Yes, many do. Although these platforms aren’t licensed in Finland, players can still access them.
You must be at least 18 years old to gamble legally in Finland.
Licensing begins in 2026. The first legal platforms from private operators should go live by early 2027.
Operators will pay a 22% tax on their gross gaming revenue.
Estimates suggest 30% to 50% of online gambling takes place through unlicensed operators. That results in up to €550 million in lost revenue each year.
Authorities issue fines, block payments, and restrict access through DNS and IP bans. They also monitor illegal advertising and influencer campaigns.
Not completely. Veikkaus will remain active but will need to compete with licensed private companies.
